Police are investigating following allegations of illegal drug use and dealing in e-cigarettes emerged at Dundee High School this week.
A number of secondary pupils were discovered with e-cigarettes in the prestigious fee-paying school.
During the investigation into the e-cigarettes it was alleged a pupil had also brought cannabis on to the school grounds and police have been contacted.
Rector Dr John Halliday has written to all parents, informing them of the school’s response to the “two serious disciplinary matters”.
In the letter, Dr Halliday said: “I wanted to write to you before the weekend, so that you were fully aware of the matter and our response.
“We have robust and consistent policies and procedures in place and I want to reassure all parents that swift and proportionate action has been taken in response.
“As a school with a clear anti-smoking policy, we began an immediate investigation into the circumstances.
“Our investigation is currently ongoing, and we are dealing with it in our usual manner, which combines rigorous discipline, alongside positive education and guidance. We regard this as a serious matter.”
On the subject of illegal drug use at the school, Dr Halliday said: “In the course of these investigations, however, it was alleged that a small amount of cannabis had been brought into school.
“The school immediately notified the police who are now investigating the matter.
“We are, of course, cooperating fully with their investigation.
“Meanwhile, I can assure you that the school is pursuing this matter vigorously and until our own investigation is complete we cannot make any further comment at this stage.
“At Dundee High School, the selling or passing on of these substances in school will almost always lead to immediate expulsion, and possession will result in suspension or expulsion depending on circumstances.”
Parents of pupils at the £11,000-a-year school received letters on Friday.
While promising a “vigorous” approach to discipline, Dr Halliday also sought to explain some of the temptations and risks that school children are susceptible to, and said pupils at the school were not “immune”.
He added: “Illegal drugs, so-called legal highs and other substances are widely available today in the world at large, and there are many who have no scruples whatsoever in selling these to school pupils of any age.
“Our pupils, like schoolchildren up and down the country, are exposed to these temptations and risks, and inevitably some are not immune.”